bertinelli. thank you. we really appreciate it. >> betty white. >> thank you so much. it was fun. thank you. ♪ that's what we dishin' 'bout good morning to you. welcome to fox 5 morning news. it is the beginning of a new year! the first day of the new year and people are clearly celebrating and happy as they normally are this time of the year. >> it is perhaps the most famous new year's celebration of them all that we are taking a look at. morning a million people braved the chilly temperatures to watch the ball drop in times

square. about a billion more watched on tv. it is tuesday, january 1st, 2013. happy new year, everyone. it is hard to believe we are starting a new one. let's hope this one is great. >> we're off to a good start already. >> i'm sarah simmons. >> i'm wisdom martin. >> let's say hello to tucker barnes. >> happy new year to both of you and to everybody at home. this is how we do it here on the early show. let's take a look at the radar. there we go. we've got a mix of clouds and parts of the area getting some clearing at this hour. a few light sprinkles off to the west. we have a lot of clouds around. it is possible that we could get a couple of light sprinkles or maybe a snow flurry particularly out to the west. most of your day will be

cloudy. currently, it is 39 in washington but much of the area including dulles below freezing. dulles is 29 degrees. we are off to a cold start. dim want a jack the here as you head out the door. -- definitely want a jacket here as you head out the door. more on the weather in a minute. back to you. >> thank you. checking our top stories, a fiscal cliff deal has been reached. the senate just approving the teal in a vote of 89-8 just a few hours ago . in a race against the clock, senate leaders found a compromise. taxes will remain the same for middle income americans but they will increase for those individuals making more than $400,000 and for families

making more than $450,000. gay marriage is now legal in maryland. same-sex couples have been able to get marriage licenses in the free state for about three weeks but the new law didn't go into effect until the strike of midnight in the new year. dozens of same-sex wedding are scheduled for today including some at city hall in baltimore and a massive wedding event at the black walnut point inn. secretary of state hillary clinton remains in a new york city hospital this morning. but doctors are optimistic that she will make a full recovery. she is being treated for a broad clot they found in her head. it is located in the vein between the brain and skull right behind her right ear. clinton is being treated with blood thinners to try to dissolve the clot and doctors say the clot did not result in any neurological damage. cheers of celebration heard around the world. >> it is out with 2012 and in with 2013. chris boswell has a look at how

some rang in the new year in new york city. >> >> reporter: happy new year from coast to coast and around the world. everyone saying good-bye to 2012 and hello to 2013. times square, arguably the biggest new year's eve celebration in the world. an estimated one million people packed into the heart of the city just for this moment. is m >> happy new year! >> reporter: revelers braving the coal temperature for what many say is a witness in a lifetime experience. >> my first time in new york. i came just for this. it is awesome. >> this is the very first time for me to see the ball drop. >> any new year's resolution, to be kinder to people. >> looking forward to getting a job or applying to med school. >> reporter: pope benedict xvi

also looking ahead to the new year. he says despite much scandal and tragedy over the past year, goodness would prevail. >> let us say that, despite all the problems, goodness exist in the world and this goodness is going to win. >> reporter: there you have it. happy new year and just 364 more days until we to it all again. as the revelers start to move out, the sanitation workers move in to clean it all up. we still have plenty ahead. your weather, traffic and all your top stories. >> fox 5 morning news at 4:30 starts now. starts now. good morning. it is 4:30 january 1st, 2013. it is weird to even see on your phone what you wake up a new year. i'm sarah simmons. >> i'm wisdom martin. time is flying by. seems like it just zoomed on by. let's talk to tucker barnes now

about our first day of weather in the new year. good morning to you. >> wrapping up a warm year in the washington area. that was the warmest year in history. >> really? >> yes. more on that coming up. but let's talk about today at the moment. not warm at the moment. cold across much of the area. 20s and 30s to start the day. yesterday turned into an okay day t did rain. looked kind of ominous. you might see a little sunshine now and then. 39 at reagan national. it is one of your warmer spots. dulles is 29 degrees and bwi marshall, 35. looking at the satellite-radar, we are looking at relatively quiet conditions. know it looks like we've got some snow and rain out to the west. we might have a little bit out there but anything you see today would be in the form of a flurry or sprinkle. that will be most that you would see. otherwise, we'll bin and out of the clouds with temperatures approaching the low 40s. that is about where we should be for the first day of the new

year and a rather uneventful day weatherwise. not expecting a whole lot of wind and we'll be cold tonight. we'll be in the mid-30s here in the city. there will be 20s west of town. mostly cloudy again today. could be a sprinkle. highs in the low 40s. >> thank you, tucker. >> traffic alert to pass along for you. both directions of new york avenue are back open following and dent. police say the accident involved 18 people. none of the injuries are considered life-threatening. re to breaking news this morning. any race against the clock, the senate has passed a bill to avoid the fiscal cliff. >> president obama says the green is the, quote, right thing to do for our country. the legislation now moves to the house where its future is unknown.

fox's patty ann brown has the story. >> reporter: senate lawmaker voted overwhelmingly in favor of legislation to avert the fiscal cliff. >> the bill as amended is passed. >> vice president joe biden in a visit to the capitol monday night explaining the pact he northed with senate minority leader mitch mcconnell. prior to the vote, the vice president said he felt confident about the deal but stayed away from making any predictions. >> having been in the senate along as i have, there are two things you shouldn't do. you shouldn't predict how the senate will vote before they vote. you won't make a lot of money. and number two, you surely shouldn't predict how the house is going to vote. >> reporter: if passed by the house, it would stop many of the spending cuts. >> middle class families will wake up today to at assurance that their taxes won't go up.

>> reporter: democratic senator tom harkin suggested the legislation missed the mark. >> it does not address the number one priority creating good philadelphiale class jobs now. secondly, this proposal does not generate the revenue necessary for the country to meet its needs. >> reporter: republican senate minority leader mitch mcconnell said neither side got everything it wanted. >> it took an imperfect solution to prevent our constituents from i avery real financial pain n my view, it was worth the effort. >> reporter: the republican- controlled house is expected to begin considering the bill today. a final vote is expected in the next day or two. passage is not at all certain. >> reporter: the fiscal cliff deal was down to the wire so why do you think lawmakers baited until the last minute? we've already gotten a lot of feedback on our facebook page about this topic. >> amy says nobody wants to

compromise. they forgot what they learned in kindergarten, if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all and share with each other. another big story we are following, gay marriage ceremonies are under way in maryland. some same-sex couples rang in the new year by taking their vows. they were able to get marriage licenses in the free state for about three weeks but the new law didn't go into effect until the strike of midnight in the new year. dozens of same-sex weddings are dead you would for today. that includes someone some at city hall in baltimore and a mass wedding event at the back walnut point inn. maryland is allowing parents to freeze their child's credit in an effort to prevent identity theft. in virginia, it will be harder for state and local governments

to take property in the name of eminent domain. the new year means a new look for d.c.'s taxi cabs. the city is rolling out a modernization program. the first phase starts today. vehicles 15 years or older have to be taken out of service. of the changes also ban any vehicle more than five years old with more than 300,000 miles on it from being placed into service as a cab in d.c. still ahead, the redskins have plenty to celebrate going into 2013. it is not over just yet as they face the sunday showdown against the seahawks. hear what head coach mike shanahan has to say about the big win against the cowboys. >> first, an update on secretary of state hillary clinton, still hospitalized this morning following another health scare. fox 5 morning news is back in a moment. ♪

♪ i'm halfway to your heart ♪ you have to let me know ♪ so i don't make my worst mistake ♪ ♪ turn around and let you go [ female announcer ] when sweet and salty come together, the taste is irresistible. made with sweet, smooth peanut butter and salted, roasted peanuts. sweet and salty nut bars by nature valley.

nature at its most delicious. secretary of state hillary clinton is still in the hospital this new year's morning after a health scare. >> she is being treated for a

broad clot discovered during a follow-up vies feat a recent concussion. fox's david lee miller has more. >> reporter: secretary of state hillary clinton remains hospitalized after the discover i-5 broad clot on sunday. on s -- during a follow-up visit for a recent con discussion. the state department releasing a statement saying in part, quote, her doctors will continue to assess her condition including other issues associated with her concussion. they will determine if if i nurse officer action is required. medical experts say the seriousness of a blood clot depends on where it is. >> with the previous head qualm amay make her at risk for developing a bleed in her head because they are thinning out her blood. it is classic and a very smart move for bring her are into the hospital and observe her carefully. >> reporter: the top u.s. diplomat was expecting to

return to work this week. she suffered the concussion after fainting due to the dehydration. secretary clinton's illness forced her to cancel some overseas trains and her plans to testify in congress. her top two deputies testified in her place. secretary clinton has stressed she remains ready to testify before she steps down from her post next month. in new york, david lee miller, fox news. another new report on the deadly attack on the u.s. consulate in benghazi is attempting to shed light on what led to the confusing talking points in the week following the attack. it says the cia, fbi and other intelligence officials made major changes to those talking points about events surrounding the tax which in turn led to the confusing explanation by the obama administration. a new york city couple is under arrest and facing some serious charges. investigators found a highly explosive substance and documents on how to make a bomb

in their home over the weekend. police made the arrests after getting a tip. officers say they discovered about seven grams of hmtd in their living room which is used to make bombs as well as a sawed-off shotgun. papers also titled the terrorist encyclopedia were found. still ahead on fox 5 morning news, unions make up less than 12% of the work force. >> but their influence is still pretty strong. we'll take a look at where president obama's relationship stands with them going into his second term. now, let's check in with tucker j we've got some clouds out there and cold temperatures. right now, back in the 30s. got some 20s in spots. i'll have the details on the first day of the new year coming up after the break. ♪

♪ i'm halfway to your heart ♪ you have to let me know ♪ so i don't make my worst mistake ♪ ♪ turn around and let you go [ female announcer ] when sweet and salty come together, the taste is irresistible. made with sweet, smooth peanut butter and salted, roasted peanuts.

sweet and salty nut bars by nature valley. nature at its most delicious.

taking a like at new year's celebrations around the world now, many people in japan celebrating at the most popular shrine in the country. visitors asking the gods to fulfill their wishes for 2013 with the ritual of bowing once in respect, clapping twice and ringing a bell. it is a tradition to wish for good for toon and health. we want to know what traditions

do you have for the new year share them with us on facebook. here is beyond bless i am. going into the new year way clean house and no dirty clothes. we're aiming high. i'm all for it. that is actually a new year's superstition. some people think starting the new year with a messy home and piles of clothes just sets you up for a whole lot of house work for the rest of the year. it never ends actually. >> i know what i'm in for this year in 2013 then. this is a live look outside over the washington, d.c. area on the first day of the area and, as usual, it is cold outside but, you know, at least it is not raining, not foggy. >> good point. >> there you go. the glass is always half full. >> i saw a few more cars out on

the road. >> it was like rush hour. >> really? >> georgetown, people were filtering out. >> were they? >> oh, yeah. >> that time of year. temperatures will be in the 40s, about where we should be. maybe we could use a little more sun today. let's get start wade look at our first map which, there you go, 2013, when you are writing the checks today -- >> let's get started with a look at our first map. 2013 starts chilly. 40 in annapolis. 43 in leonardtown. off to the north and west, we've had some clearing and that is allowing temperatures to fall off. gaithersburg is 32.

29 at dulles. these temperatures up about eight or 10 degrees from where they were 24 hours ago. we are looking at a mixture of clouds. we have a frontal system approaching from the north and west. a couple of sprinkles, couple of light flurries here off to the northwest. much of this isn't touching the ground. we're so dry here at the surface, our dew point temperature are 10, 15 degrees that it is drying up before it can touch the ground. i'm not sure we'll see much of anything but i can't say with 100% confidence you won't get a sprinkle or light flurry if you are out to the west. there is your frontal system just off to the north and west. most of that moisture will remain to the south. the front will get through here later tonight and we should be in for some sunshine here for the middle and end of the week. wednesday, thursday and friday look more promising as far as sun and cold temperatures.

we'll only be in the 30s for daytime highs. 42 today. mostly cloudy. sprinkle possible. winds out of the west at five to 10. slight hans for a flurry or a sprinkle. winds out of the north at five to 10. here is your accu-weather seven- day forecast. happy new year. wednesday, thursday, friday, generally sunny with high temperatures on the cold side only in the upper 30s. overnight lows in the 20s. the weekend right now looks dry. sunday, we'll have a front approaching. i think we'll be dry for the redskin game. highs in the low 40s. that is a look at weather. sarah, wisdom, back to you at the desk. union influence in this country may be shrinking but its power is still significant. >> that is because many union jobs have been going to the wayside aztec knowledge improves. fox's doug mcelway takes a look at unions within the changing global used work force. >> reporter: a 30-day contract extense agreed to by the international longshoremen's association, shippers and port

operators last friday temporarily averts a shutdown of 14 ports from massachusetts to texas. but 14,000 longshoremen still find their jobs threatened by automation. today, it takes just one longshoremen to do the work of three a generation ago. >> we've seen it in several of the heavy industries some america's history where efficiency and new productivity, machines have come into play and people get displaced by that. it has been a difficult thing but it is one of the things that, in order to maintain the cost and competitive's in a global marketplace, we've got to pay attention to. >> reporter: while union membership in the u.s. has declined to just 11.8% ever the work force, president obama finds himself beholden more to unions. they contributed heavily in manpower and money to his re- election. he has made a point to supporting them. >> you only have to look to michigan where workers were instrumental in reviving the auto industry to see how ups have helped build not just a stronger middle class but a stronger america. >> reporter: a day after that

visit, michigan game the 24th state to pass a right to work law. hampered in the states by riwor washington by adivided congress and abroad by the low cost competition, the president's options to reward unions are limited. >> there are things the president can do and we'll be expecting that leadership from president obama. >> reporter: one option, executive orders and federal regulations. more than 5700 new ones have been posted in the last 90 days alone. there is another option. >> the way to do it from the union's perspective is to raise those workers' pay around the world. >> reporter: u.s. unions are trying to do just that, laying the groundwork to protect workers from detroit to juarez to shanghai to bogota. getting governments in multinational corporations to agree is another matter. dug mcelway, fox news. a big sports star in d.c. announces he is ready to tie

the knot. >> oh, my gosh. >> we'll tell you who is officially off the market. >> wait. so he is off the market. >> i was trying to give them hope. >> it's okay. you didn't write t hear what head coach mike asian-pacific hand is saying about sunday's big win as the team looks ahead to sunday's game against the seahawks. we'll be right back. i'm amazed you make so many great flavors that are gluten free. my guys are crazy for chocolate chex and honey nut chex. for me, it's cinnamon. it means a lot to be able to give them something that's good for them, that also puts smiles on their faces. 'cause i really love those smiles. we're the harris family. and we love chex. [ male announcer ] love chex? connect with us on facebook.

the redskins have lots of ropes to celebrate the new year. they are focused on sunday's wild card game against seattle but they are still reveling in victory especially head coach mike shanahan. >> he has been an nfl head coach for two decades. he has playoffs and super bowls to his resume but he has never led a 3-6 team to the post division title and for coach in

the current season has. >> plenty of big performances got them to this point. perhaps no bigger than alfred morris on sunday night. a proud moment for the redskins nation as well as the coach, mike shanahan who always believed it was possible. >> it is so rewarding to come in and try to put something together and seeing the guys so excited, the coaching staff so excited. it is what you work for. and to see guys working for the last three years 18 hours a day in the draft room looking at pro players, evaluating these guys, signing these guys and seeing alet of guys making different steps, learning the offense, defense and actually stepping up and accomplishing something, you feel very good about it.

redskins are on fox this sunday. a special pregame show is at 3:30. the fox pregame is at 4:00. the game kicks off at 4:30. sorry ladies, alexander ovechkin is off the market. he is engaged to the russian tennis player maria kirolenko. he made the announcement on twitter yesterday. the two have been together for a year now and thanks to the nhl lockout, they have spent more time together lately because ovi has been laying on the ice over there. >> he has been really busy. >> keeping the love life going. time to get the new year appear resolution revved up. but you don't have to be pressured by today's date. >> is it love or lust? if you plan to seek out that one special person, find out

why you want to pay extra close attention to your body signals. 

thousands of people in italy ringing in the new year with a live concert and forks over the ancient coliseum. there were also plenty of other celebrations and parties all throughout the streets of rome. the new year brings strugz ldz for italy with the threat of an economic collapse and political uncertainty following the resignation of the prime minister. it could be a small goal. -- the new year brings struggles for italy. >> don't fee pressured by today's date. any time is a good time to start fresh. >> thank you. >> reporter: the relationship between siblings nasin and nas. ira can be a little chilly. >> to get them to get along, i wish. it would be great. they love each other but it is just hard to tell a lot. >> reporter: so the ice rink is the place to be on this break from school. >> they actually get along on

the ice though which is why we're here. great picture. when something happens, they're there for each other but otherwise, it is a lot of back and forth. >> reporter: maybe a new year's resolution would help. >> just to try to be better, try to be a better person, nicer to people and kind to strangers and save my money, all that good stuff. >> when the new year comes, it feels like a fresh start. >> it is something that you stick to for the whole year. >> like six months. >> reporter: it isn't always easy. they just moved to the area. >> i think that a resolution for us is just to be able to enjoy it and get out and see more things here. >> i'm going to try to finish up my bachelor's degree here in the next couple of years. >> i would like to get better in my skating. >> reporter: some say you shouldn't speed around in circles trying to come up way resolution. >>